Caroline Roberjot and Melanie Benson have been recognised by Spear’s as leading property lawyers in the Spear’s Property Advisers Indices 2026, released today.
Caroline is Top Recommended for securing trophy buildings in the Property Lawyers Index, whilst Melanie is Recommended for landlord and tenant issues.
The Property Lawyers Index highlights lawyers trusted by high net worth individuals to offer expert advice in the real estate sector. It is collated using information collected from and about the advisers through evaluating submission forms, gathering nominations, conducting peer reviews, analysing data from third-party sources, obtaining references and recommendations and carrying out hundreds of interviews.
Caroline’s profile can be found here and Melanie’s can be found here.
After launching the Harbottle & Lewis Indie Games Collective (IGC) in January, we are pleased to announce our programme members for 2026.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Over the next six months, they will have access to a series of training sessions covering key legal and business topics, including an introduction to IP essentials, contracts, the use of AI, corporate housekeeping and much more.
THE IGC MEMBERS
Beyond the Pixels
Based in London, Beyond the Pixels develops original and licensed game IP designed to expand into film, TV and user-generated content. Their debut indie game Astro Burn is being developed in parallel as a TV show concept.
Epoch Media Studios
Based in Warsaw, Poland, Epoch Media Studios is currently developing asymmetric horror game Soul Walker as transmedia IP,with plans to expand into film, animation and fashion collaborations.
Foolhardy Games
Based in London, Foolhardy Games develops indie games for Steam. They are currently working on their upcoming game Crashbound, a 2D side-scrolling strategy game where players aim to survive, expand and rebuild their airship to escape a hostile world.
Galatico Studios
Galatico Studios is an independent UK games studio based in Portsmouth that creates gameplay-driven experiences for PC, mobile and AR, with a focus on community. The studio also supports emerging developers through practical production experience, mentorship and collaboration.
Gamirare
Gamirare is an indie games studio based in Kyiv, Ukraine, currently working on projects Trickster Trove and SaaS Keeper. With game designers, developers, artists and storytellers, their focus is on building deep, re-playable worlds. Their portfolio includes dark fantasy PvPvE titles, storytelling tools and a creator platform.
Haaris EntertainmentLtd
Haaris Entertainment Ltd develops online entertainment focused on unique gameplay, distinctive characters, imaginative worlds and in-depth narratives. The London-based company aims to create experiences designed to inspire creativity and connections across multiple media platforms.
Lost Wanderer Games
Also based in London, Lost Wanderer Games aims to craft immersive gameplay experiences through meaningful storytelling. They are committed to innovation and creativity in order to reflect the diversity of the real world.
Ludo Gamelabs
Ludo Gamelabs is a games development studio from Manchester focused on creating innovative and engaging gameplay experiences. The studio utilises AI technology to support game creation and offers tools to assist developers in brainstorming ideas, generating assets and streamlining workflows. Their platform aims to empower creators and enhance the game development process. Recent projects include Wordhunters and Project Rome.
Pretty Cool Games
Based in Leeds, Pretty Cool Games are currently developing their debut title for PC and console, featuring physics-based gameplay. Their aim is to centre their business around creating unique, memorable and engaging IP.
Second Star Games
Second Star Games is a games development studio based in London that creates interactive experiences for young gamers and their families. The studio focuses on storytelling, unique mechanics and delivering exceptional story-led co-op experiences based on well-known and loved IPs (LEGO Star Wars), aiming to bring new worlds to life and create shared moments for families.
Silver Script Games
Silver Script Games is a Hampshire-based games startup currently focusing on their debut game The Quiet Things, an autobiographical game that deals with topics around childhood abuse and the impact that has on a person growing up.
South Westerly Games
South Westerly Games is a micro indie studio based in Hastings on the Southeast Coast, focused on developing and publishing games. The studio’s debut title, NINE ROUNDS RAPID, is a hand-painted, stylised roguelite top-down shooter for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.
Splash Games
Based in London, Splash Games is a tech-first games company building a platform for skill-based competitive play. They develop and operate original mobile games that allow players to compete in short, structured competitions where outcomes are driven by skill rather than chance. The company focuses on scalable technology, strong unit economics and operating responsibly within regulated environments.
The Goblin Workshop
The Goblin Workshop is a PC-first studio based in Surrey with four core values: a focus on action RPGs, influence from both the UK and Japan, visionary leadership and creating games that are dark but with a heart.
Umbra Dynamics
Based in Scotland, Umbra Dynamics specialises in remastering classic games for modern audiences, preserving well-loved game heritage. The studio revitalises proven IP to make previously out-of-print titles accessible, with the aim of appealing to both nostalgic gamers and introducing timeless classics to new generations.
Unannounced studio
This Derby-based games studio focuses on creating compact and innovative games developed with an emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. With extensive experience in design, programming and independent publishing, the team is currently working on its first commercial project and looks forward to sharing it with players soon.
Unskippable Dialogue
Unskippable Dialogue is in the very early stages of development. The studio will focus on narrative experiences to tell stories about overlooked people throughout history. Their latest project focuses on lightkeepers of the 1860s and the surprisingly perilous work they undertook to keep the shipping lanes safe.
Verso Gaming
Verso Gaming is a UK-based skill-tech company creating regulated, skill-based competitive infrastructure for multiplayer games. Its platform integrates with PvP titles to enable fair and compliant competitive play, allowing players to compete for real rewards while protecting developers from risks. Verso aims to provide a trusted, ethical and scalable alternative to unregulated competition, prioritising skill over spending and safeguarding player autonomy.
Whetstone Games
Whetstone Games is a London-based studio focused on developing short, genre-blending games for PC and console, with an emphasis on sustainability, quick production turnarounds and small budgets. The studio’s first project, currently in early prototype stages, is a business simulation game centred on music production.
Five of our partners have been recognised by Spear’s as leading reputation and privacy lawyers in the newly-released Spear’s Reputation Indices 2026.
Gerrard Tyrrell has once again been named as Top Flight for media and information law. John Kelly and Michael Yates are Top Recommended for reputation protection, and international reputation and privacy law, respectively. Amy Bradbury and Andrew Terry are both Recommended in the indices, Amy for her work across the reputation spectrum and Andrew for intellectual property.
The Reputation & Privacy Lawyers Index showcases lawyers who are trusted to protect clients when their personal reputation or commercial interests are suddenly exposed to legal risk. They are compiled using nominations, client feedback and interviews with advisers, alongside independent research from the Spear’s editorial team.
Chris Moorcroft has been recognised in the 2026 eprivateclient Most Influential.
This list celebrates the leading figures in the UK and global private wealth sector, highlighting those who are shaping the profession and delivering exceptional service to clients.
Those included were chosen by judges based on their achievements, innovation and contributions to the profession over the past year. The list also incorporates nominations submitted by eprivateclient readers.
Chris is a partner who advises individuals, families and trustees on preserving and transferring wealth, planning for death and incapacity, and managing complex cross-border tax and legal issues. Last year, Chris was part of a team that successfully effected new and innovative trust legislation in Bermuda. These landmark reforms modernised Bermuda’s law regarding responsible investment approaches, placing it at the forefront of global trust law evolution.
The full 2026 eprivateclient Most Influential list can be found here.
We have been shortlisted for the Business Development Award at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026.
The LexisNexis Legal Awards highlight excellence, innovation and impact across the legal profession, recognising organisations and individuals who are making a positive contribution to the industry. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place at the Park Plaza London Riverbank on Thursday 16 April.
Our shortlisting is linked to our Client Sight framework, which informs our approach to business development and client engagement. The framework is designed to view the firm from our clients’ perspectives, helping us to better understand their needs, what they value, and how we can provide solutions that meet and exceed their expectations.
In a sector where strategies are often shaped by internal structures, Client Sight takes an ‘outside-in’ approach, enabling us to respond more effectively to the needs of a diverse client base. This includes globally recognised brands, large corporates, entrepreneurs, startups, high net worth individuals, and prominent talent.
We are delighted that our efforts to take a client-first approach have been recognised in this way, and we look forward to attending the awards ceremony alongside other firms and individuals who are driving innovation across the legal profession.
We have been ranked in 12th place in RollOnFriday’s annual law firm satisfaction survey, with a score of 75% that places us firmly in the ‘Very Satisfied’ category.
Each year, RollOnFriday assesses firms across six areas: pay, work/life balance, career development, management, culture, and the office and amenities. The results are based on feedback received from more than 7,500 people working in private practice.
Working at Harbottle & Lewis offers our people the chance to work with some of the most creative, influential clients on interesting and headline-making matters. We offer challenging work that requires skill, drive and commitment, whilst providing real opportunities for development and a platform from which to build a rewarding career. This recognition is a testament to the supportive, collaborative environment we provide to enable our people to thrive and reach their full potential.
If you would like to find out more about life at the firm, make your way to our careers page.
We have advised ONE Strategy Studio, the world leading AI-first strategic insight agency, on its sale to Radius Insights.
Founded in 2023, ONE Strategy Studio uses Gen AI Automation to reinvent the insight & strategy agency experience, using automated AI solutions to transform brand strategy.
The team was led by co-managing partner Charlie Leveque and managing associate Katerina Capras with support from associates Suzie Hamilton and Julia Routledge, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. Partner David Scott advised on tax and managing associate Zoey Forbes advised on intellectual property.
On working with Harbottle & Lewis, ONE Strategy Studio founder Jonathan Williams commented:
“Going through a transaction is one of the hardest challenges in the start-up journey. Charlie, Katerina, Zoey and Julia from Harbottle and Lewis were the perfect partners to help us navigate the strange and complex world of legal negotiations and doing so with amazing pace, patience and resilience. When things get tough (and they will!) this is the team you want by your side and fighting your corner. We have partnered on multiple transactions, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone in the agency space looking to do the same.”
Charlie Leveque added:
“It has been a privilege to work with Jonathan and John. They are visionary founders who are harnessing the transformative power of AI to turbo-charge the growth of a state-of-the-art brand strategy and intelligence business. They have set a new benchmark for innovation in the industry, and we are looking forward to seeing ONE Strategy Studio achieve continued success as part of Radius.”
We advise on a broad range of corporate and corporate finance transactions including investments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity transactions. Learn more about our corporate practice here.
With special thanks to ONE Strategy Studio for the team’s “manga warrior heroes”, pictured below.
Charles Lloyd’s insights into the emotional and legal challenges of inheritance disputes in blended families have been featured in the Financial Times.
In the article, Charles discusses how the absence of the deceased in probate disputes can intensify tensions and lead to conflicting narratives, often making litigation “vitriolic.” Charles highlights the value of clear estate planning and communication to aid in avoiding litigation.
The full article is available here to those with a subscription.
We have advised on the sale of 4fores, a specialist in electrical optimisation for the renewable energy sector, on its sale to Phenna Group.
Founded in 2010 as a spin-out from the University of Zaragoza, 4fores provides testing, measurement and grid integration solutions for renewable energy systems, operating across 14 countries globally.
The transaction was handled on the sell-side by partner Ed Lane and associate David Jones, with local law support from ECIJA.
On working with Harbottle & Lewis, founder and CEO of 4fores Diego López Andía commented:
“Harbottle & Lewis provided outstanding legal support throughout the transaction. Their commercial approach, responsiveness and deep experience in cross-border M&A were key to navigating a complex process efficiently and getting the deal successfully to completion.”
Ed Lane, partner at Harbottle & Lewis, noted:
“It was a pleasure to support Diego on this milestone transaction and we look forward to seeing 4fores’ continued success under the Phenna banner.”
Today we launch the Harbottle & Lewis Indie Games Collective – a mentorship programme which will offer legal guidance to early-stage games businesses, to help them navigate in their next steps in the industry.
The 12-month programme will include expert-led training sessions on key topics like incorporation, fundraising and access to finance, key commercial contracts, IP and regulation; and access to a free legal helpdesk for all members throughout the programme period.
Members will be invited to attend networking events, where they can connect and share insights with others in the industry.
The programme is completely free, but spaces will be limited and filled from a pool of applicants.
If you are an early-stage games business looking for some guidance and support, and would like to take part, please apply below by Friday 23 January.
